Lip/skin applicator device with rotatable feature

ABSTRACT

A lip or skin applicator device includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably connected to the first housing portion. The second housing portion rotates about the first housing portion such that, in the closed position, the product is enclosed within the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and in the open position, the product is exposed and the first housing portion is at least partially housed within the second housing portion. The lip or skin applicator device may include an opening with a plurality of elongated protrusions into which a portion of a product is inserted.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an applicator device for dispensing aproduct. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lip orskin applicator devices and associated methods of using the devices thatare especially adapted to apply a product onto the epidermis of humans.

BACKGROUND

Skin care has long been recognized as an important factor in our overallhealth and well-being. This is particularly true for lips, whose exposedmucous membrane structure is different than other skin. Lips do not havethe same protective outer layer, or stratum corneum, found in otherskin; nor do lips have the same complement of oil and sweat glands.Sweat glands add moisture to skin, but the lips' only source of moistureis saliva inside the mouth. Thus, harsh winter wind, cold, sun anddryness—indoors and outdoors—make lips a vulnerable target for chapping.

Skin or lip care products are often applied as preventative care. Forexample, lip balm is often applied to prevent chapped lips. When appliedprior to harsh winter wind, cold, sun and dryness, lip balm has proveneffective in providing protection to a person's lips. Lip balm may alsobe used after a person's lips become chapped to soothe the person's lipsand prevent further damage from occurring.

Skin or lip care products are typically packaged in containers that areopened and closed by removing a cap or other housing. These caps areoften dropped. A dropped cap can become contaminated, which can in turncause contamination of the product applied to the skin. The caps arealso often lost, leaving the user with an exposed product that canbecome contaminated in any number of ways. In addition to contaminated,the exposed product could become damaged and could also damage or soilother objects with which it comes into contact, particularly in anenclosed environment (such as a handbag). Further, if the skin or lipcare product is left uncovered key ingredients in the product candegrade from exposure to the air and lose their efficacy.

Skin or lip care products are typically mounted to a portion of thepackage in which they are housed. The products often become loose orbreak during application of the product. This in turn causes frustrationon the part of the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, an applicator device includes a firsthousing portion to which a product is attached and a second housingportion rotatably connected to the first housing portion to allow thesecond housing portion to rotate about the first housing portion betweena closed position and an open position. The second housing portionrotates about the first housing portion such that, in the closedposition, the product is enclosed within the first housing portion andthe second housing portion, and in the open position, the product isexposed and the first housing portion is at least partially housedwithin the second housing portion.

In another aspect of the invention, an applicator device includes afirst housing portion to which a product is attached and a secondhousing portion connected to the first housing portion. The firsthousing portion includes an opening into which a portion of the productis inserted. The opening includes a plurality of elongated protrusionswhich protrude into the product.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of using an applicatordevice includes obtaining an applicator device that includes a firsthousing portion; a product attached to the first housing portion, and asecond housing portion connected to the first housing portion. Themethod includes rotating the second housing portion about the firsthousing portion from a closed position to an open position, and pressingthe product of the applicator device onto one or both lips of a user toapply the product. When pressing the product onto one or both lips theuser may press the product onto both lips simultaneously.

Numerous other features and advantages of the present invention will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading ofthe following detailed description of presently preferred, butnonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention whentaken in conjunction with the accompany drawings. In this respect,before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction and to the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

Before undertaking the detailed description of the invention below, itmay be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used throughout this patent document. Throughout thisspecification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word“comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” or the term“includes” or variations, thereof, or the term “having” or variations,thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element orinteger or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of anyother element or integer or group of elements or integers. Furthermore,a person skilled in the art of reading claimed inventions shouldunderstand that “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” butdoes not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictatesotherwise. And that the term “or” denotes “at least one of the items,”but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention describedherein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than thosespecifically described. It is to be understood that the inventionincludes all such variations and modification which fall within itsspirit and scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Non-Limiting Embodiments of theDisclosure

The invention will be better understood and aspects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing description thereof. Such description makes reference to theannexed drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1F are front and trimetric perspective views showing anembodiment of the applicator device constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention in closed, partially open and fullyopen positions.

FIGS. 2A-2C are top, bottom and trimetric perspective views showing anembodiment of the lower (or first) housing portion of the applicatordevice constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention. FIG. 2D is a front perspective view showing an embodiment ofthe lower (or first) housing portion of the applicator deviceconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ in FIG. 2D. FIG.2F is a side perspective view showing an embodiment of the lower (orfirst) housing portion of the applicator device constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 2G is across-sectional view taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 2F.

FIGS. 3A-3C are top, bottom and trimetric perspective views showing anembodiment of the upper (or second) housing portion of the applicatordevice constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention. FIG. 3D is a side perspective view showing an embodiment ofthe upper (or second) housing portion of the applicator deviceconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ in FIG. 3D. FIG.3F is a back perspective view showing an embodiment of the upper (orsecond) housing portion of the applicator device constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 3G is across-sectional view taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 3F.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of theapplicator device in the closed position constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectionalview taken along line E-E′ of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a side perspectiveview showing an embodiment of the applicator device in the closedposition constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F′ ofFIG. 4C.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of theapplicator device in the open position constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectionalview taken along line G-G′ of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a side perspectiveview showing an embodiment of the applicator device in the open positionconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H′ of FIG. 5C.

FIG. 6A is a trimetric perspective view for illustrating first andsecond pivot joints according to another embodiment of the applicatordevice constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention. FIG. 6B is a side perspective view showing the embodiment inthe closed position. FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along lineB-B′ of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view for illustrating a snap bead andseal ring configuration according to another embodiment of theapplicator device constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along lineA-A′ of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a side perspective view showing theembodiment of the applicator device. FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional viewtaken along line B-B′ of FIG. 7C. FIG. 7E is a trimetric perspectiveview showing the embodiment of the applicator device.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1F, an embodiment of the applicator device 10is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Theapplicator device 10 has a lower (or first) housing portion 20 and anupper (or second) housing portion 60. The housing portions are referredto as an upper portion and a lower portion for convenience only, andwhether or not these portions are on the top or bottom will depend onhow the user positions the device. A product 90, which may, for example,be a lip balm, is attached to the lower housing portion 20, and theupper and lower housing portions 60 and 20 are rotatably/pivotablyconnected.

The rotatable/pivotable connection of the upper and lower housingportions 60 and 20 allow the upper housing portion 60 to rotate aboutthe lower housing portion 20 between an open position and a closedposition, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A-1F. When the upper andlower housing portions 60 and 20 are in the closed portion (FIGS. 1A and1B), the product 90 is enclosed within the applicator device 10 (i.e.,within the top and bottom housing portions 60 and 20). When the upperand lower housing portions 60 and 20 are in the open position (FIGS. 1Eand 1F), the product 90 is exposed allowing a user of the applicatordevice 10 to apply the product 90 to their skin. In the open position,the upper housing portion 60 is rotated about the lower housing portion10 so that the upper housing portion covers or houses at least a portionof the lower housing portion. Accordingly, the applicator device is aconvenient, easy to use device that remains as a single connected entityregardless of whether it is in the open or closed position.

The rotating motion of the upper housing portion 60 may be accomplishedby first and second pivot joints 12 and 14. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A-1F, the first and second pivot joints 12 and 14 are formed ondiametrically opposing portions of the upper and lower housing portions60 and 20. The applicator device 10 may also include a clasp 16 forkeeping the applicator device in the closed position until the userdesires to apply the product 90, and a detent 42 for holding the devicein the open position.

Typically, when a user desires to use a lip or skin applicator the usermust completely remove the cap from the applicator before applying theproduct. This configuration is problematic, as the cap may be dropped,contaminated or even lost when removed. The pivotable or rotatableconnection of the top and bottom housing portions 60 and 20 of theapplicator device 10 prevents these problems. The applicator device 10can be opened by rotating the top housing portion 60, and thus one doesnot need to be concerned with dropping, contaminating or losing a partof the applicator device 10 during application of a product 90. Further,since the upper and lower housing portions 60 and 20 can be maintainedas a single connected entity regardless of whether the applicator device10 is opened or closed, a user always has access to the means by whichthe device 10 is closed, making it easier to keep the product 90 closedwhen it is not being used, thereby preventing damage to the product andalso preventing key ingredients of the product 90 from degrading andlosing their efficacy.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2G, which show the lower (or first) portion 20of an applicator device 10 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIGS. 2A-2C are top, bottom and perspective views. FIG. 2D isa front perspective view. FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken alongline A-A′ in FIG. 2D. FIG. 2F is a side perspective view. FIG. 2G is across-sectional view taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 2F.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2G, the outermost surface of thelower (or first) housing portion 20 has a substantially semi-ellipsoidalshape and the outline of the lower housing portion 20 is an oval whenviewed from above. The bottom 50 of the lower housing portion 20 iscut-off or flattened allowing the applicator device 10 to be set on atable or other surface without tipping. The bottom 50 of the lowerhousing portion 20 may also project inward from the lower-most point ofthe lower housing portion 20 allowing the device 10 to be gripped moreeasily by a user. The lower housing portion 20 may, for example, beforming by an injection molding process. However, it should beunderstood that other processes known in the art may also be used toform the lower housing portion 20. Furthermore, the lower housingportion 20 may, for example, be formed of polypropylene. However, thelower housing portion 20 is not limited to this material, and otherplastics, thermoplastics or any other suitable material may be used inits place.

The substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape of the lower housing portion 20advantageously allows a person grip and open the applicator device 10 ina convenient manner. However, it should be understood that the lowerhousing portion 20 is not limited to a semi-ellipsoidal shape and maytake another shape, such as semi-spherical.

The lower (or first) housing portion 20 provides the platform on whichthe product 90 is mounted and secured. An opening 22 is provided withinthe first housing portion 20, and a portion 92 of the product 90 isprovided within this opening 22. Referring to FIG. 4B, the width W1 ofthe portion 92 of the product 90 inserted into the opening 22 is lessthan the width W2 of the portion of the product 90 that rests on theuppermost surface of the lower housing portion 20. The portion 92 of theproduct 90 inserted into the opening 22 will hereinafter be referred toas the neck 92, and the remaining portion of the product is referred toas the application portion 94.

Returning to FIGS. 2A-2G, the opening 22 includes a plurality ofsplines/elongated protrusions 24. When the neck 92 of the product 90 isinserted into the opening 22, the protrusions 22 protrude within theneck 92. These protrusions help to secure the product 90 to the lowerhousing portion 20 and prevent unwanted movement of the product 90 afterit is mounted to the lower housing portion 20.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2G, the outer wall 26 of the lowerhousing portion 20 is shaped like a basin. An inner wall 28 is formedwithin the outer wall 26 so as to create a groove 34 between the innerwall 28 and the outer wall 26. The inner wall 28 creates an opening 22in which the neck 92 is inserted. Referring to FIG. 2A, the outer wall26 may have a substantially oval cross-sectional shape, and the innerwall 28 may have a substantially circular shape that surrounds theopening 22. The splines/elongated protrusions 24 are formed on the innersurface of the inner wall 28, and the splines/elongated protrusions 24project into the opening 22.

The lower housing portion 20 may also include an innermost wall 30 thatsurrounds a second opening 32. The innermost wall 30 may also besubstantially circular. The inner wall 28 surrounds the innermost wall30, and the height of the innermost wall 30 is less than the height ofthe inner wall 28. The width of the neck 92 is greater than the diameterof the innermost wall 30 (see, e.g., FIG. 4B). Therefore, the neck 92rests on top of the innermost wall 30 when the neck 92 is inserted intothe opening 22, and the innermost wall 30 provides support andstabilization for the product 90.

The basin shaped outer wall 26, the inner wall 28, and the innermostwall 30 create a structurally sound compartment for the product 90 thatis light weight and saves on material. Because of this structure, thelower housing portion 20 does not have to be made of solid plastic.Instead, the inner wall 28 provides the opening 22 into which theproduct 90 is inserted, and the innermost wall 30 provides support forthe product 90. However, it should be understood that alternatives arepossible. For example, the second opening 32 can be created by reducingthe width of the opening 22 once the depth of opening 22 is equal to theheight of the neck 92. In this case, the innermost wall 30 is notnecessary.

A first female socket 36 and a second female socket 38 are formed ondiametrically opposing portions of the lower housing portion 20. Thefirst and second female sockets 36 and 38 are each formed within theouter surface of the outer wall 26. Preferably, the first and secondfemale sockets 36 and 38 are formed near the top 52 of the lower housingportion 20 along the short axis y (see FIG. 2C) where the width of thebottom housing portion 20 is smallest. Placing the first and secondfemale sockets 36 along the short axis y is advantageous for opening andclosing the applicator device 10 and handling the applicator device 10.

A first portion 40 of the clasp 16 is formed on the front of the lowerhousing portion 20. The first portion 40 may be an integrally formedpart of the lower housing portion 20, or may be a separate part that ismounted to the lower housing portion 20. The clasp 16 helps to keep theapplicator device 10 closed when the applicator device 10 is in theclosed position. To do so, the first portion 40 of the clasp 16 may havea bump that slides into a recess formed in a second portion 66 of theclasp 16, as will be described in greater detail below. Of course, thefirst portion 40 of the clasp 16 may instead have a recess into which abump of the second portion 66 fits.

A detent 42 may be formed on the lower housing portion below the clasp16. The detent 42 may be an integrally formed part of the lower housingportion 20, or may be a separate part that is mounted to the lowerhousing portion 20. When the applicator device is rotated to the openposition, the lip of the upper housing portion 60 opposite to the clasp16 swings around and over the detent 42 (See FIG. 5B). The detent 42then holds the upper portion 60 in the open position until the userrotates the upper housing portion 60 with sufficient force back to theclosed position. When the device is in the open position, the detent 42may fit within a matching groove 68 formed within the upper housingportion 60 in order to hold the upper housing portion 60 in the openposition.

The bottom housing portion 20 may also include a snap bead 44 thatcircumscribes the lower housing portion 20 at or near the uppermost partof the lower housing portion 20. The snap bead 44 acts as seal ring thatgoes around the entirety of the lower housing portion 20 and fits withina matching groove 68 in the upper housing portion 60 of the applicatordevice 10. The snap bead 44 provides some seal integrity when theapplicator device 10 is closed to protect the product in a more airtight environment. The snap bead 44 also helps to ensure that theapplicator device 10 stays closed when in the closed position.

In an alternative embodiment, the snap bead 44 may be provided on theupper housing portion 60 rather than the bottom housing portion 20. Inturn, the matching groove 68 is provided on the bottom housing portion20 rather than the upper housing portion 60. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7E,in this embodiment, the snap bead 44 (which is the protruding male part)is moved to the inner surface of the upper housing portion 60, and thesnap bead 44 projects from this inner surface. The snap bead 44circumscribes the inner space of the upper housing portion at or nearthe lowermost part of the upper housing portion 60. The matching groove68 is then formed at or near the uppermost part of the lower housingportion 20. Similar to the previous embodiment, the snap bead 44 fitswithin the matching groove 68 to help ensure that the applicator device10 stays closed and to provide some seal integrity when the applicatordevice 10 is closed to protect the product in a more air tightenvironment.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A to 3G, which show the upper (or second) housingportion 60 of an applicator device 10 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIGS. 3A-3C are top, bottom and trimetric perspectiveviews. FIG. 3D is a side perspective view. FIG. 3E is a cross-sectionalview taken along line A-A′ in FIG. 3D. FIG. 3F is a back perspectiveview. FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ of FIG.3F.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3G, the outermost surface of theupper (or second) housing portion 60 has a substantiallysemi-ellipsoidal shape, and the outline of the upper housing portion isan oval when viewed from above. The top 80 of the upper housing portion60 is cut-off or flattened. The top 80 may have an arcuate concave shapethat projects inward. The arcuate concave shape of the top 80 allows auser to better grip the applicator device 10, and may also be used toopen the applicator device 10 by, for example, placing a finger oranother part of the hand on the arcuate concave surface of the top 60 ofthe upper housing portion 60.

The substantially semi-ellipsoidal shape of the upper housing portion 60advantageously allows a person to grip and open the applicator device 10in a convenient manner. However, it should be understood that the upperhousing portion 60 is not limited to a semi-ellipsoidal shape and maytake another shape, such as semi-spherical.

The upper housing portion 60 is manufactured as a shell with sufficientspace to house the product 90 when the applicator device 10 is in theclosed position, and to house part or all of the lower housing portion20 when the applicator device 10 is in the open position. The upperhousing portion 60 may, for example, be forming by an injection moldingprocess. However, it should be understood that other processes known inthe art may also be used to form the upper housing portion 60. The upperhousing portion 60 may, for example, be formed of polypropylene.However, the upper housing is not limited to this material and otherplastics, thermoplastics or another suitable material may be used in itsplace.

The upper housing portion includes a first male post 62 and a secondmale post 64. The first male post 62 and the second male post 64 engagethe first female socket 36 and the second female socket 38,respectively, to form the first pivot joint 12 and the second pivotjoint 14. The first and second male posts 62 and 64 may have, forexample, a circular shape. In such a case, the first and second femalesockets 36 and 38 have complementary circular shapes, with the first andsecond female sockets 36 and 38 having a slightly larger diameter thanthat of the first and second male posts 62 and 64, so that the first andsecond male posts 62 and 64 can fit within the first and second femalesockets 36 and 38.

The first and second male posts 62 and 64 project outward from an innersurface of the upper housing portion 60 and are positioned to allow theupper housing portion 60 to rotate about the lower housing portion 20.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3G, the first and second male posts62 and 64 are formed on diametrically opposing portions of the upperhousing portion 60 near the bottom of the upper portion 60. Further, thefirst and second male posts 62 and 64 are formed along the short axis y(see FIG. 3C) where the width of the upper housing portion 60 issmallest. The first and second male posts 62 and 64 may be integrallyformed parts of the upper housing portion 60, or may be separate partsmounted to the upper housing portion 60. The first and second male posts62 and 64 may also have hollow interiors as can be seen in FIG. 3E.

A second portion 66 of the clasp 16 is formed on the front of the upperhousing portion 60. The second portion 66 may be an integrally formedpart of the upper housing portion 60, or may be a separate part that ismounted to the upper housing portion 60. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3A-3G, the second portion 66 has a recess into which theprotrusion of the first housing portion fits. Of course, the secondportion 66 of the clasp 16 may instead have a bump that fits into arecess.

The upper housing portion 60 may also include a matching groove 68formed within the inner surface of upper housing portion 60. Thematching groove 68 circumscribes the inner space of the upper housingportion 60 and matches the shape of the snap bead 44. As noted above,the combination of the matching groove 68 and snap bead 44 provides someseal integrity when the applicator device 10 is closed to protect theproduct in a more air tight environment, and helps to ensure that theapplicator device 10 stays closed when in the closed position.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-5D, which show an embodiment of the applicatordevice 10 in its closed and open positions. FIGS. 4A-4D are perspectiveand cross-sectional views showing an embodiment of the applicator device10 in the closed position, and FIGS. 5A-5D are perspective andcross-section views showing an embodiment of the applicator device 10 inthe open position.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-5D, the neck 92 of the product 90 isinserted into the opening 22 of the lower housing portion 20, and thesplines/elongated protrusions 24 project into the neck 92. In one aspectof the invention, the product 90 is manufacturing using a moldingprocess. In the molding process, a liquefied product is poured into amold and is then cooled so that the product solidifies. Preferably, theproduct 90 is molded to the correct shape and inserted into the opening22 of the lower housing portion 20. However, the product mayalternatively be cut into its desired shape after it is molded. Itshould be understood that the manner of manufacturing the product 90 isnot limited to this process, and those of ordinary skill in the art canenvision alternative processes for creating the product 90 including,for example, a hot pour process.

In addition to the neck 92, the product 90 includes an applicationportion 94 that is exposed when the applicator device 10 is in the openposition. The application portion 94 rests on the top 52 of the lowerhousing portion 10. The outermost surface of the application portion 94of the product may have an arcuate shape. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4A-4D, the application portion 94 has an ovate or semi-ellipsoidalshape. The ovate or semi-ellipsoidal shape of the application portion 94is preferable as it is best for the application of the product 90 to auser's lips. However, the application portion 94 may take other shapes,such as semi-spherical. The width W2 of the bottom of the applicationportion 94 resting on the top 52 of the lower housing portion 10 islarge enough such that the product 90 covers the groove 34 formedbetween the outer wall 26 and the inner wall 28.

In an embodiment, the application portion 94 of the product 90 is sizedand shaped such that a user can apply the product 90 to the upper lipand lower lip simultaneously. In turn, the upper and lower housingmembers 60 and 20 are manufactured to have a size that is sufficient toaccommodate a product 90 capable of being applied to both the upper andlower lips simultaneously.

The upper housing portion 60 is connected to the lower housing portion20 by way of the first and second pivot joints 12 and 14. The first malepost 62 of the upper housing portion 60 is inserted into the firstfemale socket 36 of the lower housing portion 20 to form the first pivotjoint 12. Similarly, the second male post 64 of the upper housingportion 60 is inserted into the second female socket 38 of the lowerhousing portion 20 to form the second pivot joint 14. The first andsecond pivot joints 12, 14 provide the means by which the upper housingportion 60 rotates about the lower housing portion 20 between the openand closed positions.

When in the closed position, clasp 16 helps to keep the applicatordevice 10 closed when the device 10 is in the closed position. The clasp16 includes first and second portions 40 and 66 formed on the front ofthe lower housing portion 20 and the upper housing portion 60,respectively. Clasp 16 also restricts the rotation of the upper housingportion 60 to one direction. For example, a user may open the applicatordevice 10 by moving the second portion 66 of the clasp 16 upward andaway from the first portion 40 of the clasp 16 on the lower housingportion 20. Movement in the opposite direction is restricted, since thefirst portion of the clasp 40 abuts against the edge of the upperhousing portion 60 when the applicator device is in the closed position(see FIG. 4A).

The clasp 16 is sized and shaped to allow a user to open the applicatordevice by forcing the first portion 40 of the clasp and the secondportion 66 of the clasp in opposing directions. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 4A-5D, the clasp extends along most if not all of the front ofthe applicator device 16. However, the clasp 16 is not limited to thisshape, and may, for example, occupy a smaller space on the front of theapplicator device, as shown in FIG. 6A.

One of the first and second portions 40, 66 has a bump and the other hasa recess into which the bump fits. When in the open position, the lip ofthe upper housing portion 60 opposite to the clasp 12 swings around andover the detent 42 (see FIG. 5B). The detent 42 then holds the upperhousing portion 60 in the open position.

The snap bead 44 also helps to ensure that the applicator device staysclosed when in the closed position. The snap bead 44 goes around theentirety of the lower housing portion 20 and fits within a matchinggroove 68 in the upper housing portion 60 of the applicator device 10.The snap bead 44 provides some seal integrity when the applicator device10 is closed to protect the product in a more air tight environment.

In the embodiments discussed above, the first and second pivot joints 12and 14 are formed by a combination of first and second female sockets 36and 38 formed within the lower housing member 20 and first and secondmale posts 62 and 64 projecting from the upper housing portion 60.However in another embodiment, the pivot joints may be reversed, withmale posts projecting from the lower housing member 20 and femaleopenings formed within the upper housing member 60. This configurationis shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. This configuration could be considered lessdesirable as is creates an external seam that could accumulate dirt.

The following is a method of using an applicator device 10 according toan embodiment of the invention. As an initial step, an applicator device10, such as the embodiment of the applicator device 10 shown in FIGS.4A-5B, is obtained. The applicator device has a lower housing portion 20onto which a skin-care product 90 is mounted and an upper housingportion 60 that rotates about the lower housing portion 20.

Upon sufficient force from the user, the upper housing portion 60 ismoved from the closed position to the open position. This may beaccomplished in a number of different ways. In one example, the clasp 16is used to open the applicator device 10. In this example, the firstportion 40 of the clasp and the second portion 66 of the clasp arepushed in opposing directions. In another example, a user may place afinger on the concave arcuate shape of the top 80 of the upper housingportion 60 and apply force to the top 80 of the upper housing portion 60sufficient to open the applicator device 10. As another example, thesemi-ellipsoid shape of the upper and lower housing portions 60, 20allow a user to grip and open the applicator device with one hand. Inthis example, a user can place a thumb on the concave arcuate top 80 ofthe upper housing member 60 while wrapping one or more fingers aroundthe lower housing portion 20. Upon applying sufficient force with thethumb, the user can then open the applicator device 10.

Upon opening the applicator device, the product 90 is applied to auser's lips and/or skin. The product 90 may be sized and shaped to allowa user to apply the product 90 to both of the lips simultaneously. Asnoted above, an ovate shape is particularly useful for application to auser's lips. However, the product may take other shapes, such assemi-spherical. Upon application of the product 90, the applicatordevice 10 may be returned to its closed position.

While certain embodiments of the applicator device have been describedin detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should beapparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all ofwhich fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Theinvention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions andcompounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individuallyor collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of saidsteps or features.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith the patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly froma cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosureof the application. The abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

These together with other aspects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part ofthis disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, itsoperating advantages and the specific aspects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptionmatter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. An applicator device comprising: a first housing portion to which aproduct is attached; a second housing portion rotatably connected to thefirst housing portion so as to allow the second housing portion torotate about the first housing portion between a closed position and anopen position, wherein: the second housing portion rotates about thefirst housing portion such that, in the closed position the product isenclosed within the first housing portion and the second housingportion, and in the open position the product is exposed and the firsthousing portion is at least partially housed within the second housingportion.
 2. The applicator device of claim 1, further comprising a firstpivot joint and a second pivot joint, the second housing portion beingrotatably connected to the first housing portion by way of the firstpivot joint and the second pivot joint.
 3. The applicator device ofclaim 2, wherein: the first pivot joint comprises a first male postformed on an inner surface of the second housing portion and a firstfemale socket formed within the first housing portion, the first malepost and the first female socket being shaped such that the first malepost fits within the first female socket; and the second pivot jointcomprises a second male post formed on the inner surface of the secondhousing and a second female socket formed within the first housingportion, the second male post and the second female socket being shapedsuch that the second male post fits within the first female socket,wherein the first and second male posts are formed on opposing sides ofthe second housing section and the first and second female sockets areformed within opposing sides of the first housing section, so as toallow the second housing portion to rotate about the first housingportion.
 4. The applicator device of claim 2, wherein: the first pivotjoint comprises a first male post formed on an outer surface of thefirst housing portion and a first female opening extending through thesecond housing portion, the first male post and the first female openingbeing shaped such that the first male post fits within the first femaleopening; and the second pivot joint comprises a second male post formedon an outer surface of the first housing portion and a second femaleopening extending through the second housing portion, the second malepost and the second female opening being shaped such that the secondmale post fits within the second female opening, wherein the first andsecond male posts are formed on opposing sides of the first housingsection and the first and second female sockets are formed throughopposing sides of the second housing section, so as to allow the secondhousing portion to rotate about the first housing portion.
 5. Theapplicator device of claim 1, wherein the first housing portion has asubstantially semi-ellipsoidal shape to which a lower portion is cut offto form a bottom surface.
 6. The applicator device of claim 5, whereinthe bottom surface projects inward from the lowermost point of the firsthousing portion.
 7. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the firsthousing portion comprises an opening into which a portion of the productis inserted, the opening having a plurality of elongated protrusionsprotruding into the product.
 8. The applicator device of claim 7,wherein the first housing portion comprises: an outer wall; an innerwall surrounded by the outer wall such that a groove is formed betweenthe inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the inner wall surrounds theopening into which the product is inserted, and the elongatedprojections project from the inner wall into the opening.
 9. Theapplicator device of claim 8, wherein the outer wall has a substantiallyoval cross-sectional shape, and the inner wall has a substantiallycircular cross-sectional shape.
 10. The applicator device of claim 8,wherein the first housing portion further comprises an innermost wallformed within the inner wall, wherein the height of the innermost wallis less than the height of the inner wall such that the portion of theproduct inserted into the inner wall rests on top of the innermost wall.11. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the applicator devicefurther comprises a clasp for holding the applicator device in theclosed position, wherein: the first housing portion includes a firstportion of the clasp formed on an outer surface thereon and the secondhousing portion includes a second portion of the clasp formed on anouter surface thereof, the first portion of the clasp has at least oneof a bump and a recess, and the second portion of the clasp has theother of the bump and the recess, and when the second housing portion isin the closed position, the bump is within the recess.
 12. Theapplicator device of claim 1, wherein the first housing portion includesa detent formed on an outer surface thereof, the detent holding thefirst housing portion in place when in the open position.
 13. Theapplicator device of claim 1, wherein a top of the second housingportion has an arcuate concave surface that projects inward.
 14. Theapplicator device of claim 1, wherein the second housing member has asubstantially semi-ellipsoidal shape to which an upper portion iscut-off to form a top surface.
 15. The applicator device of claim 1,wherein the product is a lip balm.
 16. The applicator device of claim 1,wherein the first and second housing portions are made of polypropylene.17. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein the lower housing portioncomprises at least one of a snap bead and a matching groove thatcircumscribes the lower housing portion, and the upper housing portioncomprises the other of the snap bead and the matching groove, whereinthe snap bead fits within the matching groove.
 18. An applicator devicecomprising: a first housing portion; a product attached to the firsthousing portion; a second housing portion connected to the first housingsection; the first housing portion comprising: an opening into which aportion of the product is inserted, the opening having a plurality ofelongated protrusions protruding into the product.
 19. The applicatordevice of claim 18, wherein the first housing portion further comprises:an outermost wall; an inner wall surrounded by the outermost wall suchthat a groove is formed between the inner wall and the outermost wall,wherein the inner wall surrounds the opening into which the product isinserted, and the elongated protrusions project from the inner wall intothe opening.
 20. The applicator device of claim 19, wherein the firsthousing portion further comprises an innermost wall formed within theinner wall, wherein the height of the innermost wall is less than theheight of the inner wall, and the portion of the product inserted intothe inner wall rests on top of the innermost wall.
 21. The applicatordevice of claim 18, wherein the product has an ovate shape.
 22. A methodof using an applicator device, the method comprising the acts of:obtaining the applicator device comprising: a first housing portion; aproduct attached to the first housing portion; a second housing portionrotatably connected to the first housing portion; rotating the secondhousing portion about the first housing portion from a closed positionto an open position; pressing the product of the applicator device ontoone or both lips of a user to apply the product to the one or both lips.